Blowing the whistle on racism ended my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece contains details of racially offensive comments and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his career to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to retire because of what happened," he told media outlets.

"I really wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries going on.

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather enough evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

"I have had several distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's view.

"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a extended period you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has given significant focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from harmful conduct.

"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary about his experiences.

"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more open.

His charitable organization aims to connect with children in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their own stories as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."